Flying with a portable oxygen concentrator - so overwhelming!

[StitchesGr8Fan]

My DF, who has COPD, is considering asking his pulminologist if he can fly to WDW instead of drive. I've been doing some research, and it looks like the biggest risk is his oxygen saturation rate dropping, and the remedy for that is to rent a portable oxygen concentrator for the flight. I was reading on Southwest's website about what you need to do in order to fly with an oxygen concentrator and it seems so overwhelming. It's going to fall on me to help my dad do everything properly to have as smooth of a trip as possible. Can someone who has rented an oxygen concentrator for a flight give me some pointers on how to make this as easy as possible in case my dad gets clearance to fly?

 

[Wendydagny]

Southwest is very easy, there is a form on their website that the dr must print on letterhead and fill out. Then you just get an FAA approved concentrator (southwest has a list). You check in at the gate at least 45-60 min ahead of time and they check that you have your form and the right concentrator. They like you to have enough batteries for 1.5 times the flight time. They let you preboard, and will tell you where you can sit on the plane. It really is very simple.

If he is not on the oxygen all the time, then the concentrator will go on the belt at security, just like a bag. They may look at it more closely. If he is on all the time, they will do a more extensive check and pull you aside, but that is also easy.

We fly with my daughter who is on 02, sometimes a ventilator, iv fluids through a central line, can't walk, etc. we have had zero issues and everyone is very helpful.

 

[redberyl]

Flown several times with my daughter and multiple pieces of equipment, it really is steaightforward, try not to worry. The worst part if it is having one more thing to lug through the airpirt

 

[SueM in MN]

Post 30 on page 2 of the disABILITIES FAQs thread is about traveling to WDW with oxygen.
This is a link to page 2 and just scroll down to post 30.
http://www.disboards.com/threads/di...ed-1st-trip-next-trip-wish-trip.595713/page-2

In general, your local supplier will help you with all the arrangements, including necessary prescriptions and arranging for oxygen delivery or delivery of any supplies in Orlando. Many suppliers are part of a nationwide chain.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

You have to look at your airline's web site. Each tends to have different rules. Generally you have to get a form from their website and get it filled in by your doctor. You normally have to both send (fax or e-mail) the form to the airline as well as bring it with you along with the concentrator. Several airlines require that you must be seated in a window seat. And you need sufficient batteries to cover flight time.

Also, I know that Delta, for example, uses an outside contractor to review the form. If you have need for a concentrator and you do not have one the company (OxygenToGo) will rent one to you.

And it must be a FAA Approved Portable Oxygen Concentrator. Use of tank oxygen is not permitted on any aircraft.